As Long as I Got My.... Tie August 15, 2016

For those of you who are wondering, the title of my email is indeed a Justin Timberlake reference. It is also a reference to changes in the mission. One of the cool things about the mission president also being a member of the Quorum of the Seventy is that when he thinks something should change he can just change it and he doesn't need to ask anyone for permission. So I guess after a transfer of being in Taiwan, President Teh has realized that Taiwan is really hot. So here comes the big news...... NO MORE SUITS. They are not required at ANY meeting. That's pretty "cool" haha. Well, this past week was just adjusting back into training schedule. Also, I decided if I'm going to spend another 3 months in Zhang Hua that I'm going to organize and clean the apartment. That's been nice. Elder Huang is still a super genius. I am amazed with the faith and focus that Elder Huang has. He has already helped us to see many miracles. For example, Elder Huang felt like we should start working with a certain former investigator. In my mind I was thinking, "Oh, that investigator doesn't keep commitments. Our efforts could probably be more effective in another place.", but I remembered what was shared at the meeting before we met the trainees about letting our new companions learn for themselves. So we tried. Elder Huang seems to have helped this man see something new in the gospel and I was amazed and happy to see this former investigator attend come to church on Sunday! 

A great day. This makes all the hours on the street, all the phone calls, and all the planning all worth it!

I'll Stay Where You Want Me to Stay August 8, 2016

Transfer #10. 

I feel extremely humbled to have the opportunity to train another incredible visa waiting Taiwanese missionary once again here in Zhang Hua. My new trainee is Elder Huang from Tainan, Taiwan. He will be here in Taiwan until he gets his visa to go to......... SOUTH AFRICA. Didn't see that one coming, did ya? It makes sense though because 1) Elder Huang's English is better than mine due to the fact that he lived in Utah for 2 years when he was like 10. 2) He was a pretty high up officer in the military here in Taiwan. He also graduated from the most prestigious University in Taiwan in a very prestigious field (electrical engineering).  In doing missionary work we often talk about "prepared investigators". In addition to these, however, are "prepared missionaries". I believe that Elder Huang is one such "prepared missionary". He has a brilliant mind, but more than that, he has a loving heart and a deep desire to bring souls unto Christ. I have MUCH to learn from my new companion. 

I also would like to share how much I loved being Elder Storey's companion. Elder Storey has become one of my best friends, and has been an example to me since the first day we started working together. When I think of Elder Storey I think of a missionary who is truly on a higher plane of thought and activity. I am grateful to the Lord for allowing me to have a companion that could help me reach more of my full potential.

I'll be honest, I was expecting to be packing up my bags last week. With much faith I could definitely say, "I'll go where you want me to go, dear Lord". However, I now have to ask myself if I have enough faith to say, "I'll stay where you want me to stay, dear Lord". In the last few days, thinking about the prospect of at least 2 more transfers in Zhang Hua = 5 transfers in one area has been somewhat difficult for me to grasp. That being said, I know that every single companion and area has been revelation from Heavenly Father and exactly what I need at the time. I pray that I can fulfill my duty, as it says in the white handbook, to obtain the Lord's direction in carrying out my assignment and blessing the people here in Zhang Hua. 

 Elder Huang

Every 2 weeks, we ride up a GIGANTIC hill to go to a old person's home and visit our friend Zhang Bei Bei. The hill sucks. It is the worst. However, Zhang Bei Bei is the best. Even though he is super old his faith is still super strong. I always leave that place feeling the spirit!

Cotton candy drink at a Korean grill place that we went to last p-day

We biked into the mountains a few weeks back and met a super cool old guy who likes to kayak. He also built this giant tree house thing by himself. Hai Bu Cuo! (not too bad)

Big Buddha, Big Buddha, Big Buddha August 1, 2016

Hello! 

My love is abounding for the people of Taiwan and especially for those that the Lord is allowing Elder Storey and myself to work with. I consider it a true blessing that the Lord has allowed me to grow in charity and love over the course of my mission. I've come to learn that love is both a requirement and a blessing in this work. Some of the happiest days and moments of my life have been here in the mission field when I am filled with this love for the people. It has helped me better understand the infinite love that God has for every one of his children, myself included. Zheng Di Xiong passed his baptismal interview this past week! So happy for that guy. We had to push back his baptism one more week though due to various reasons. Hopefully I'll still be able to make even if I end up moving next Monday. Anyways, I've been in Zhang Hua for almost 4 months now and this morning was the first time I've been able to go up to this place called Ba Gua Shan. I never went because people kept telling me it was on a huge mountain. Turns out that it only takes 5 minutes to ride our bikes there from our apartment and then it's like a 5 minute hike to get to the top... Anyways, here are some pics.

"Girl.... the back of your head is redikkulus"

The poetry wall

Morning exercises